The Stolen Canvas(65)

Wally blocked his brother’s path, knowing exactly what “delivery” Jem had to make. “Nope.” Jem stared through red-rimmed eyes. He opened his mouth, but no words came. “I’m not taking you anywhere,” Wally said, staring Jem down. “I think you’ve got Annie’s property in there. You’re gonna give it back.” Wally’s pulse raced, shame and anger building inside him. “And where’s Tara? What’d you do with her?”

Jem’s low curse fell between them. “I don’t have time to argue. We’re leaving here.” He grabbed Wally’s arm in a fierce grip.

Wally shook it off. “I’m not some little kid following you around anymore!” Wally spat the words through gritted teeth. “You’re a fraud. You came back here to lie and steal.” Wally felt anguish rising, dreaded tears forming. He swallowed them, steeling himself. “I’d have done anything you asked, man. You’re my family. I’d have given you anything—but not this way. No more, Jem. You gotta face up to what you’ve done and stop. Just stop!”

Seconds seemed like hours as he faced his brother. Maybe, just maybe he could get through to him.

Jem’s grip on his arm loosened, but a crafty gleam replaced the fear in his eyes. “Now who’s gonna believe you if they find the stuff in your truck? I’ll say you and me were in it together. What do you think of that, bro?”

“I’ll tell you what I think of that.” Ian Butler appeared from behind a clump of bushes directly behind the spot where Jem stood. Moonlight glinted on his silver hair, and his eyes flashed like lasers in the night.

Jem leapt away, but Ian was on him in a second and took him to the ground.

Wally heard the wail of sirens and knew it was over for Jem. It was over, but he couldn’t stem the rise of tears that stung his eyes.